The suicide of former England batter Graham Thorpe has prompted Budleigh Salterton cricket club to remove the stigma around mental health.

Volunteers at Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club are hosting and taking part in a Dawn Walk, a series of events running across the UK in aid of The Samaritans.

Non-members can join them on Saturday, October 12 in the 5k route starting from their clubhouse, The Holt, at 7am as a sign of solidarity with those facing mental health struggles and to raise vital funds to help the charity.

The event is part of a drive by the club to encourage conversations about mental health and to create a spirit of mutual support within the club and the wider community.

Thorpe’s family have said the former England batter, regarded as one of the finest of his generation, took his own life after, aged 55, suffering with depression and anxiety.

BSCC volunteer Emma Cooling said: “It’s really important for us that our club is a place where everyone feels safe and accepted, where it’s ok to talk about your feelings and any struggles, or just to be lifted and reassured by the company of others if you don’t feel like talking. Unfortunately there is still stigma around mental health conversations, particularly among men. Plans are in the pipeline for more events at the club to help raise awareness of the private battles many people face – the Dawn Walk is the first step for us. We’d love as many people as possible to join us on this walk, to watch the sun come up along the route, to stand together with anyone struggling and to help raise money for the Samaritans so that there is always someone available to listen.”

To take part in the BSCC Dawn Walk, a flat easy 5k route starting and finishing at the club, visit the club’s Facebook page, call 07702213949, to sponsor the team on their donation page.